Success systems only work if your nervous system feels safe enough to follow them
- Dec 8
- 3 min read
By Erin Vandermore, LCMHC-S, LCPC
Founder of the Mind Circuit App & Helene Therapy Network
As a licensed therapist, app creator, and mom of two, I’ve learned that success isn’t built on the perfect morning routine or the “right” planner—it’s built on the state of your nervous system. You can map out flawless goals, color-code every hour, and commit to rising at 5 a.m., but if your “Guard Dog Brain” is activated, no habit will stick. Your biology will override your intentions every time.
That single truth reshaped my entire approach to habits, systems, and daily routines—both for myself and for the high achievers, educators, parents, and professionals I work with. I don’t rely on discipline or willpower. I rely on nervous-system alignment. And the tool that anchors everything I do is something I call Brain Flossing—micro bilateral stimulation (BLS) resets woven throughout the day to keep the brain flexible, focused, and safe enough to handle what matters. These are the habits, systems, and rhythms that allow me to show up consistently, sustainably, and compassionately.
Micro-Routines Instead of Marathon Habits
I don’t do long, overwhelming routines. My life is built on micro-bookends that help my brain shift gears without melting down.
A 30-second Brain Floss Break when I wake up
A 60-second reset before opening email
A downshift ritual before transitions—school drop-off, client sessions, meetings
These moments keep my prefrontal cortex online so I can think clearly, respond instead of react, and show up as the parent, clinician, and creator I want to be. Small things done consistently matter more than perfect habits done inconsistently.
The Two-Question Clarity System
Every morning, I ask myself two grounding questions:
What actually matters today?
What can wait without harming my future self?
This simple system cuts through urgency culture, perfectionism, and the pressure to be all things to all people. It protects my energy so I can be present for my clients, my kids, and my own healing.
Nervous-System–Aligned Time Blocking
I don’t time-block by minutes—I block by states.
When I’m alert → writing and creative strategy
When I’m calm → admin tasks
When I’m emotionally full → rest, cross-crawl patterns, or walks
Success isn’t about squeezing more in. It’s about working with your biology, not against it.
The “Compassionate Minimum” Rule
High achievers burn themselves out trying to hit the impossible ideal every day. My rule is simple: On hard days, do the compassionate minimum.
One email.
One task.
One breath-and-tap sequence.
One moment of honesty.
Minimums build consistency; compassion builds longevity.
The Weekly Nervous System Audit
Every Sunday night, I check in with myself:
Where did I feel overwhelmed?
Where did I override my signals?
Where did I feel genuinely grounded?
Your nervous system will tell you exactly where your habits need adjusting—if you’re willing to listen.
A Home Base for Mental Clutter
I keep one running “brain dump” doc open all week. Everything goes into it—ideas, tasks, reminders, content sparks. Clearing my internal clutter makes space for creativity, presence, and better decision-making.
A Daily Dose of Meaning
Success isn’t just productivity—it’s purpose. So every day, I choose one micro-action aligned with my mission of making healing accessible to overthinkers, overfunctioners, and anyone carrying invisible emotional weight. Some days that means recording an episode of my Notes to My Nervous System podcast. Other days, it’s improving the Mind Circuit app or reaching out to someone impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Meaning fuels momentum.
When you build habits that honor your biology, everything shifts. Capacity expands. Clarity returns. And the life you’re building finally feels like it belongs to you.
Connect With Erin
Instagram: @mindcircuitapp
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